PITTSBURGH – The FBI Pittsburgh office is warning of a hoax kidnapping scam targeting people in the area. Last week, more than 450 calls were made by someone living in Mexico to people who have a 724-area code.

The FBI has determined people in Mexico are scanning social media accounts for people traveling in the Southwest border area. They are then calling the travelers’ loved ones in the area. During each of the calls, the caller states the person’s loved one is in danger or has been kidnapped. The caller then requests victims to send money as soon as possible.

If you receive this type of call, remain calm and resist the pressure to act quickly. Get as much information as possible, including the phone number, if possible, of the caller. Hang up and call a family member to verify the information or call a trusted friend to ask for help. Report the call to your local police department or the FBI.

The FBI is asking the public to report these scam calls. You can file a complaint at IC3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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